HP (Hewlett-Packard) DV6-3120US, dv6-3010us User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: April 2010

Document Part Number: 599695-001

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features might not be available on the computer.

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not

place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).

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iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Getting started

Using HP QuickWeb (select models only) ............................................................................................ 2

2 Features

Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 3

Components ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Top components .................................................................................................................. 4

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 4

TouchPad buttons ............................................................................................... 5

Lights ................................................................................................................... 6

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only) ......................................... 7

Keys .................................................................................................................... 8

Front components ................................................................................................................ 9

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 9

Left-side components ........................................................................................................ 10

Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 11

Display components .......................................................................................................... 12

Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................. 13

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 14

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 15

3 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 16

Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 17

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 17

Using the wireless action key ............................................................................................ 17

Using HP Wireless Assistant ............................................................................................. 18

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 18

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 19

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 19

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 20

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 21

Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 21

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 22

Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 22

Connecting to a local area network .................................................................................................... 23

4 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 24

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 24

Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 24

Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 24

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 25

Using the touch screen (select models only) ..................................................................... 26

Calibrating the touch screen ............................................................................. 27

Performing actions on the touch screen ............................................................ 28

Setting touch screen preferences ..................................................................... 29

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 29

Using the action keys ......................................................................................................................... 29

Using the hotkey ................................................................................................................................. 31

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 32

Scrolling ............................................................................................ 25

Pinching ............................................................................................ 26

Performing clicks .............................................................................. 28

Performing flicks ............................................................................... 28

Changing or testing click settings ..................................................... 28

Changing or creating flick assignments ............................................ 28

5 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 33

Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 34

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 35

Using the media activity keys ............................................................................................ 36

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 37

Using HP MediaSmart or TouchSmart (select models only) software ............................... 37

Using other preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................... 37

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 37

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 39

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 39

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 39

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 40

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 40

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 41

Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 42

6 Power management

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................... 41

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 43

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 43

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 43

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 44

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 44

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 44

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 45

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 45

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 45

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 45

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 46

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 47

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 48

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 48

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 48

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 48

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 49

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 50

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 50

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 51

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 51

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 51

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 51

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is

available ........................................................................................... 51

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is

available ........................................................................................... 51

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 51

Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 52

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 53

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 54

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 54

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 54

Switching between graphics modes (select models only) .................................................................. 55

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 55

7 Drives

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 57

Optical drive ....................................................................................................................................... 58

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 58

Using optical discs ............................................................................................................. 58

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 59

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 59

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CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 59

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 59

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 59

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 59

Blu-ray Discs (BD) ............................................................................................. 59

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 60

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 61

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 61

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 62

Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 62

Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 63

Removing a CD, DVD, or BD ............................................................................................. 64

Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 65

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 66

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 66

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 66

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection ................................................................................... 67

Identifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status ................................................ 67

Managing power with a parked hard drive ......................................................................... 67

Using HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software .................................................... 68

Replacing a drive in the hard drive bay .............................................................................................. 69

8 External devices

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 72

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 72

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 73

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................................... 73

Connecting an eSATA device ............................................................................................ 74

Removing an eSATA device .............................................................................................. 75

9 External media cards

Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................................... 76

Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 76

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 77

10 Memory modules

11 Security

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 82

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 83

Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 83

Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 84

Administrator password ..................................................................................... 84

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Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 87

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 87

Installing critical security updates ....................................................................................................... 88

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 88

Using the Fingerprint Reader (select models only) ............................................................................ 89

12 Troubleshooting

Cannot connect to a WLAN ................................................................................................................ 92

Cannot connect to a preferred network .............................................................................................. 93

Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................................. 93

Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................................ 93

WLAN connection is very weak .......................................................................................................... 94

Cannot connect to the wireless router ................................................................................................ 94

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, a DVD, or a BD ......................................... 94

The computer does not detect the CD, DVD, or BD drive .................................................................. 95

A CD, DVD, or BD does not play ........................................................................................................ 96

A CD, DVD, or BD does not play automatically .................................................................................. 97

A DVD or BD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ......................................................................... 97

A DVD or BD movie is not visible on an external display ................................................................... 97

The process of burning a CD or DVD does not begin, or it stops before completion ......................... 97

A DVD or BD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display ................................ 98

A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................................... 98

Managing an administrator password ............................................... 85

Entering an administrator password ................................................. 85

Power-on password .......................................................................................... 85

Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 86

Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 86

Locating the Fingerprint Reader ........................................................................................ 89

Registering fingerprints ...................................................................................................... 90

Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ..................................................... 91

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................................................... 98

Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers ..................................................................... 99

13 Changing QuickWeb settings

Disabling and enabling QuickWeb ................................................................................................... 100

Appendix A Setup Utility (BIOS)

Starting Setup Utility ......................................................................................................................... 101

Using Setup Utility ............................................................................................................................ 101

Changing the language of Setup Utility ........................................................................... 101

Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 102

Displaying system information ......................................................................................... 102

Restoring default settings in Setup Utility ........................................................................ 102

Exiting Setup Utility .......................................................................................................... 10 3

Setup Utility menus .......................................................................................................................... 103

Main menu ....................................................................................................................... 103

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 104

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 104

Diagnostics menu ............................................................................................................ 105

Appendix B Software updates

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 107

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 107

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 107

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 108

Appendix C Backup and recovery

Creating recovery discs .................................................................................................................... 110

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 111

Using Windows Backup and Restore .............................................................................. 112

Using system restore points ............................................................................................ 112

When to create restore points ......................................................................... 112

Create a system restore point ......................................................................... 112

Restore to a previous date and time ............................................................... 113

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 113

Recovering from the recovery discs ................................................................................ 113

Recovering from the dedicated recovery partition (select models only) .......................... 113

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 115

1 Getting started

Your computer's main operating system is Microsoft® Windows®. Your computer may also feature HP QuickWeb (select models only).

The Microsoft Windows operating system displays the desktop on the display and controls your

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computer's hardware, peripherals, and software programs.

If your computer includes QuickWeb, it allows you to quickly browse the Internet, view digital

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photos, listen to music, or keep in touch using e-mail, instant messages, or Skype, without having to start your main operating system.

NOTE: To disable or reenable QuickWeb, refer to the “Changing QuickWeb settings" chapter. To learn

more about QuickWeb, refer to the software Help included with QuickWeb, which can be accessed by clicking the Help icon in the notification area.

Using HP QuickWeb (select models only)

To start QuickWeb:

1. Turn on your computer. The HP QuickWeb Home screen appears.

2. Click an icon on the QuickWeb Home screen to launch a program.

To start QuickWeb from Microsoft Windows:

Click Start, click the arrow next to the Shut down button, and then click Restart. Your computer

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restarts and displays the HP QuickWeb Home screen.

NOTE: To learn more about HP QuickWeb, refer to the software Help included with QuickWeb.

2 Chapter 1 Getting started

2 Features

Identifying hardware

To refer to a list of hardware installed on the computer:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security.

2. In the System area, click Device Manager.

Use Device Manager to add hardware or modify device configurations.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature that improves the security of the

computer. You might be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing applications, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. For more information, refer to Help and Support.

Identifying hardware 3

Components

Top components

TouchPad

Component Function

TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

To view or change the pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing the computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

4 Chapter 2 Features

TouchPad buttons

Item Description Function

1 TouchPad off indicator To switch the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap

the TouchPad off indicator.

2 Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

3 Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

To view or change pointing device preferences:

1. Select Start > Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the device representing your computer.

3. Select Mouse settings.

Components 5

Lights

Item Description Function

1 TouchPad light

2 Caps Lock light On—Caps Lock is on.

3 Power light NOTE: The computer has two power lights. The other power light

4 Volume Mute light Amber—The computer sound is off.

5 Wireless light

6 Fingerprint Reader light (select models only)

Off—The TouchPad is enabled.

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Amber—The TouchPad is disabled.

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is on the right side of the computer.

On—The computer is on.

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Flashing—The computer is in Sleep.

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Off—The computer is off or in Hibernation.

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White—An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless

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local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is detected.

Amber—No wireless devices are detected.

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White—The fingerprint was read.

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Amber—The fingerprint was not read.

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6 Chapter 2 Features

Buttons and Fingerprint Reader (select models only)

Item Description Function

1 Power button Press the Power button to:

Turn on the computer.

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Initiate Sleep.

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Exit Sleep.

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Exit Hibernation.

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If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the Power button for at least five seconds to shut down the computer.

For more information about the power settings, select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

2 Fingerprint Reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password

logon.

For information about changing the factory settings, refer to Help and Support.

Components 7

Keys

Item Description Function

1 esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the

fn key.

2 E-mail key Opens a new e-mail in the default e-mail client.

3 Media Application key Launches the MediaSmart application (or the TouchSmart

4 Web Browser key Launches the default Web browser.

5 Print key Sends the currently active document to the default printer.

6 Calculator key Launches the Calculator application.

7 fn key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the

8 Windows Logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

9 Action keys Execute frequently used system actions.

10 Windows Applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.

11 QuickLock key Initiates QuickLock.

12 Backlight key (select models only) Turns the keyboard backlight on or off.

application for select models equipped with the touch screen).

esc key.

NOTE: If your keyboard has a backlight key (select models only),

the fn key pressed in combination with the right shift key initiates the Pause function.

8 Chapter 2 Features

NOTE: Keyboards without the backlight key have the standard

Pause function in this location. To initiate the Pause function for keyboards with the backlight key, hold down the fn key while pressing the right shift key.

Front components

Description Function

Speakers (2) Produce sound.

Right-side components

Item Description Function

1 USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

2 Optical drive Reads optical discs and, on select models, writes to optical discs.

3 Optical Drive light Flashing—Accessing the optical drive.

4 Power light NOTE: The computer has two power lights. The other power light

is on the top left of the computer.

On—The computer is on.

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Flashing—The computer is in Sleep.

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Off—The computer is off or in Hibernation.

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5 Hard Disk Drive light

6 AC Adapter light

7 Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

8 Security Cable slot Connects an optional security cable. The security cable is designed

White—The hard disk drive is active.

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Amber—The hard disk drive is parked.

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White—The computer is connected to external power and the

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battery is fully charged.

Amber—The computer is connected to external power and

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the battery is charging.

Off—The computer is not connected to external power.

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to act as a deterrent, but might not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Components 9

Left-side components

Item Description Function

1 Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

2 External Monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

3 RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.

4 HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

5 eSATA/USB port Connects an optional high-performance eSATA component, such

as an eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB device.

NOTE: Depending on the computer model, the computer might

include only a USB port.

6 USB port Connects an optional USB device.

7 Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array

microphone, or monaural microphone.

8 Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo

9 Digital Media Slot Supports the following optional digital card formats:

speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

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MultiMediaCard (MMC)

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Memory Stick (MS)

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Memory Stick Pro (MSP)

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xD-Picture Card (XD)

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10 Chapter 2 Features

Bottom components

Item Description Function

1 Battery bay Holds the battery.

2 Vents (6) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

3 Battery Release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

4 Hard Drive bay Holds the hard drive, the memory module slots, and the WLAN

module.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the

wireless module with a wireless module authorized for use by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore computer functionality, and then contact technical support through Help and Support.

Components 11

Display components

Item Description Function

1 Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

2 Webcam light On—The webcam is in use.

3 Webcam Records video and captures still photographs.

12 Chapter 2 Features

Wireless antennas

On select computer models, at least two antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from

obstructions.

To review wireless regulatory notices, refer to the country- or region-specific section of Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices in Help and Support.

Components 13

Additional hardware components

Item Description Function

1 Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.

2 AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.

3 Battery* Provides power when the computer is not connected to an external

power source.

* Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

14 Chapter 2 Features

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer.

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Integrated service tag—Provides regulatory information about the computer, as well as the service tag, which includes the computer model number, serial number, and warranty information. This label is affixed inside the battery bay.

Component Description

1 Regulatory Information Provides regulatory information about the

computer.

2 Service tag* Provides the serial number for this product, as well

as the product number and warranty information.

The serial number is an alphanumeric

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identifier unique to this product.

The product number provides specific

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information about the product's hardware components, which helps a service technician to determine what components and parts are needed.

The warranty number describes the duration

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of the warranty period for this product.

*Have this information available when you contact technical support.

Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows® Product Key. You may need the

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Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system.This certificate is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is

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affixed inside the battery bay.

Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provides information about optional wireless

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devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions where the devices have been approved for use. An optional device might be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device or an optional Bluetooth device. If the computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with the computer. You might need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the memory module compartment.

HP Mobile Broadband Module serial number label (select models only)—Provides the serial

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number of the HP Mobile Broadband Module. This label is located inside the battery bay.

Labels 15

3 Wireless, local area network, and

modem

Using wireless devices

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. The computer might be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area

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networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other

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Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:

802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a

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frequency of 2.4 GHz.

802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g

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WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so that they can operate on the same network.

802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.

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NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and might operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it

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backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

16 Chapter 3 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless action

key on the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.

Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

more network devices are connected to a wired network.

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed and wireless

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

Using the wireless controls

Control the wireless devices on the computer using:

Wireless action key (f12)

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HP Wireless Assistant software

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HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

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Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no network devices are connected (or all network devices are disabled in Windows Control Panel).

more network devices are connected to a wireless network.

connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wireless network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no wireless connections are available (or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless action key (f12) or HP Wireless Assistant).

Operating system controls

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Using the wireless action key

The computer has a wireless action key (f12), one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is on (white), at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is amber, all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the wireless action key (f12) to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices are controlled through HP Wireless Assistant.

Using wireless devices 17

Using HP Wireless Assistant

A wireless device is turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabled by Setup Utility, it must be re-enabled by Setup Utility before it can be turned on or off using Wireless Assistant.

NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a

network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows

Mobility Center. Wireless Assistant appears.

3. Click Properties.

4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Close.

For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help. To access Help:

1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the Wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.

2. Click the Help button.

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, select Start > Help and Support.

18 Chapter 3 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, access is available to a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points

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that accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

A home or small office WLAN uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and wired

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computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

To use the WLAN device in the computer, connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need:

A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an

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Internet service provider (ISP)

A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)

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The wireless computer (3)

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The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Using a WLAN 19

Protecting your WLAN

Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.

WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports might not provide any security. New technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of the computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

When setting up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. To protect the WLAN:

Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security

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Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your network from the most common wireless security risks.

Work behind a firewall

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A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Use wireless encryption

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A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that works best for your network security:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that encodes or encrypts all

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network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. The network assigns the WEP key, but you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others cannot access the WLAN.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data

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that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses “temporal key integrity protocol” (TKIP) to dynamically generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer on the network.

20 Chapter 3 Wireless, local area network, and modem

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